Football trick plays are designed to catch the defense by surprise.
Trick plays in football can be game-changing and affect the flow of any game. Coaches need to be careful to not call trick plays frequently because such plays can lose their effectiveness if the defense knows what play is coming. Trick plays generally work best when they can be disguised as part of a team's standard formations and play types.
Instructions
Setting up Trick Plays
1. Designate the standard plays and formations to be used in the next game. Design one or two trick plays based on the standard plays and formations. Introduce these trick plays to players when practice begins for the upcoming opponent. A trick play can take a wide variety of forms, but typically involves passing the ball when a running play is expected by the defense or throwing the ball when a running play is expected.
2. Use the trick plays during each practice so each player becomes accustomed to his role. Reinforce to the players the need to avoid any actions during the game that could alert the defense to the trick play. The element of surprise is the key to a successful trick play.
3. Call the standard plays and formations during the game, but pay particular attention to the defense's reaction to those plays on which the trick plays are based. The trick plays should be saved for a time in the game when the defense is likely to expect another standard play. For example, a good time for a trick play that uses a pass is when the team has a short-yardage situation that typically results in a running play.
